The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds the public to make safety a priority Memorial Day weekend.
The patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the patrol will assign troopers to 20-mile intervals along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70 and U.S. 60 and 61 from May 25-28. Troopers taking part in the holiday peak travel crash reduction enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations.
Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the patrol’s website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Click on the road condition icon to view road construction areas throughout the state or call 888-275-6636.
The patrol said a safe, fun weekend starts with the public. Wear a life jacket when you’re on or near the water and use a seat belt when you drive. Always pay attention, whether you’re on the road or on the water. Wherever you celebrate, choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. Over the 2017 Memorial Day holiday weekend, nine people died and 496 were injured in 1,122 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 107 DWI arrests.
Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations and speed violations. Motorists are encouraged to be safe and courteous drivers. Speed, inattention and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. The patrol said to obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2017 Memorial Day weekend, there were 15 boating crashes which included seven injuries and one fatality. Two people drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Troopers arrested 20 people for boating while intoxicated in 2017.
The patrol said never operate a boat while you are impaired and never ride with an impaired operator. Be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones.
“Troopers will be available to provide assistance and enforce Missouri laws all across the state,” said Col. Sandra K. Karsten. “No matter what plans you make, whether you’re on the highway or on the water, please be courteous and pay attention. If you drink alcohol, never operate a vehicle or vessel. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.”